Subtitle: Asthma and the Time of Day
Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Many factors can trigger asthma symptoms, including weather, environmental allergens, and physical activity. One factor that can play an important role in asthma severity is the time of day.
Diurnal Variations: Diurnal variations refer to changes that occur in asthma symptoms throughout the day. Many people with asthma experience worse symptoms in the early morning or late evening, with a period of relative relief during the day. Research suggests that this pattern is particularly common in children and adolescents, and is sometimes referred to as “nocturnal asthma”.
Possible Causes: The exact cause of diurnal variations in asthma symptoms is not fully understood, but there are several possible factors that may be involved. These include:
• Increased airway inflammation. Inflammation of the airways is a common characteristic of asthma, and may be worse in the early morning due to changes in the body’s natural hormones.
• Changes in air temperature. Colder temperatures can make breathing more difficult for people with asthma.
• Changes in air pressure. Changes in air pressure can affect the amount of air that can be inhaled, and this can be worse at certain times of the day.
• Changes in air pollution. Air pollution levels can vary throughout the day, and this may be a factor in diurnal variations in asthma symptoms.
• Changes in environmental allergens. Allergens such as pollen and mold spores can be more active at certain times of the day.
Managing Diurnal Variations: If you or someone you know has asthma, it is important to be aware of diurnal variations in symptoms. People with asthma should take steps to prevent and manage symptoms, including avoiding triggers, taking medications as prescribed, and using an asthma action plan. If you are experiencing worsening symptoms at certain times of the day, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.